Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse refers to any physical, psychological, or financial abuse that occurs in a nursing home or long-term care setting. The abuse may be perpetrated by nursing home staff members, visitors or other residents.

Because many nursing home residents have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive impairments, they have an increased risk for abuse. It is important for loved ones to recognize the most common signs of nursing home abuse so they can put a stop to this behavior if it occurs.

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Family members should visit their loved ones regularly to identify signs of physical abuse as soon as possible. Common signs of physical abuse include the following:

Unexplained Bruises

Burns

Open wounds

Fractures and broken bones

Sudden weight loss

Frequent infections

Torn clothing

Bloody bedding or clothing

Emotional Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Not all nursing home abuse takes the form physical violence. Some perpetrators abuse nursing home patients by intimidating or belittling them. Watch for the following signs of emotional abuse:

Isolation

Depressed behavior

Lack of interest in social activities

Behavioral changes

Emotional withdrawal

Financial Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Some abusers take advantage of nursing home residents by stealing cash and valuables. Other abusers defraud nursing home residents or force them to sign over money and property. Review financial accounts regularly and keep an eye out for these signs of financial abuse:

Missing checks

Unusual financial transactions

Unexplained changes to wills

Lower account balances than expected

Missing valuables

Non-payment of bills

Unusual purchases

Changes in power of attorney documents

Call Our Injury Law Team & Put Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers to Work for You!

Nursing home abuse causes significant physical, emotional and financial difficulties, so it is important that guilty parties are stopped and brought to justice.

If your loved one has been the victim of any type of nursing home abuse, a Tampa injury attorney can provide valuable advice on the best course of action. Request a free case evaluation by calling Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-753-5203.

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